Nathan Hochman elected as L.A. District Attorney plans to reverse Gascón policies and review Menendez brothers case

Nathan Hochman, elected as Los Angeles County District Attorney, plans to reverse many policies of his predecessor, George Gascón, starting on December 2. Hochman aims to reinstate the death penalty, increase prosecutions for low-level crimes, and use harsher sentencing enhancements. Hochman’s victory by 23 percentage points reflects a shift in public sentiment towards tougher crime policies. He intends to review high-profile cases, including the resentencing of the Menendez brothers, which Gascón initiated. Hochman criticized Gascón's approach as overly lenient. Hochman will allow prosecutors to pursue charges for minor offenses and plans to address concerns about crime and homelessness. He also aims to implement a "racially blind" prosecution approach, although he downplayed concerns about racial bias in sentencing enhancements.